How to Propagate Beaked Hazelnut

The beaked hazelnut (Corylus cornuta) is a deciduous shrub and a member of the birch family. The species is divided into two variations: C. cornuta var. cornuta and C. cornuta californica. The cornuta variety, distributed throughout the eastern part of the country, is smaller and typically grows as a shrub while the californica may be a large shrub or a small tree. True to its name, californica is distributed from northern California to British Columbia. The beaked hazelnut produces yellow catkins (a pendulous flowering spike) in the spring, prior to foliage production, and bears fruit in the fall.

1

Fill a bowl with warm (to the touch) tap water and drop the beaked hazelnuts into it. Remove and discard any hazelnut seeds that float to the surface. Allow the seeds to soak for 48 hours, changing the water after 24 hours.

2

Moisten enough sand to completely envelope the seeds and place it in a plastic, sealable bag. Push the seeds into the sand until they are covered, seal the bag and place it in the refrigerator for three months.

3

Add enough sterile soilless potting mix to fill the germination container to within 1 inch of the rim. Pour water slowly over the media, ensuring that it's evenly moist. Allow the container to drain completely.

4

5

Set the heat mat's thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit and place the germination container on top of it. Keep the media slightly moist at all times. It may take from one to six months for the beaked hazelnuts to sprout.

6

Gradually lower the heat mat's temperature over the course of three days when the seeds sprout. Continue to keep the soil moist.

7

Transplant the beaked hazelnut seedlings into individual pots filled with commercial potting soil when they reach 10 inches in height. Grow them indoors until winter, then place them outside in an area that is protected from wind and hard rain.

Things You Will Need

Bowl

Sand

Plastic bag

Germination container

Sterile soilless planting mix

Heat mat

Tip

Plant the beaked hazelnut seedlings into the the landscape the following spring or summer, when nighttime temperatures remain above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

About the Author

Based in the American Southwest, Bridget Kelly has been writing about gardening and real estate since 2005. Her articles have appeared at Trulia.com, SFGate.com, GardenGuides.com, RE/MAX.com, MarketLeader.com, RealEstate.com, USAToday.com and in "Chicago Agent" magazine, to name a few. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in creative writing.